Unknown To Known

Together forever...BONUS

2030.

Ishan and Aditi revisited the Wankhede stadium for the team's reunion, surrounded by the familiar faces and warm smiles of the current players in attendance. Everyone were thrilled to see them still together.

They both entered, hand in hand, taking in the surroundings. Ishan looked at her and reminded. "Yaad hain naa? 4 saal pehle?" Aditi nodded, smiling warmly.

As Ishan caught up with his teammates, Aditi chatted with their gfs, and wives, feeling a sense of camaraderie and nostalgia.

Suddenly, Rishabh asked Ishan about his mental health journey and how they both fell in love.

"Kabhi bataya nahi apne toh." Tilak chimed in.

Shubman smiled knowingly, gazing at Ishan's expression who was trying hard to hide the blush creeping in, biting his lips.

"Abhi kya sharma rahe ho?" Dhruv asked.

"Baad mein batata hoon, abhi aata hoon locker room se." Ishan said and without waiting for their response, strode away.

He approached Aditi, who was busy chatting with the girls' group. "Sunna, chal locker room se aate hain."

—

As they entered the empty room, memories flooded their minds. Ishan missed his seniors, the ones who had guided him through the ups and downs.

Some had retired, others had moved on to coaching and commentary. But their legendary careers were still etched in history.

He remembered the laughter, teasings and the advice they shared. Tears welled up in his eyes but he blinked rapidly, in an attempt to hide it from Aditi, who was busy looking at how much the interior changed.

"Aditi," he said. "Kitne memories hain naa yaha." his voice was filled with longing.

Aditi gazed at him and smiled, keeping a hand on his shoulder. "Haan, i know you miss them so much, but now, it's your turn to carry their legacy and take over."

Ishan smiled. Aditi has always understood him and always provided him a shoulder to cry on.

"Chalo, hum unke sath bhi meet up plan karte hain kabhi." Ishan suggested, excitement filling in his voice.

A smile spread across Aditi's face. "Haan." she replied.

—

As they walked out of the room, they were, yet again, surrounded by the players.

"Apni century dedicate ki thi tumne isse 4 saal pehle." Riyan teased, nudging Ishan.

After some prodding, they agreed. "Acha theek hain, batate hain." Aditi said, raising her hands.

They all sat on the ground as the sky was painted in hues of pink and orange in the background, as the sun set.

"Guys, isne mujhe itne ways mein heal kiya ki koi nhi kar sakta tha," Ishan said, eyes fixed on the lush green grass. "Ek alag hi connection feel hone laga."

—
Flashback.

The rain poured outside, mirroring Ishan's thoughts. He paced back and forth in his hotel room, anxiety gripping his chest.

Suddenly, the door opened and Aditi walked in, shaking the rain off her umbrella. "Maine tumhara message dekha, kya hua?"

Ishan tried to hide his struggles but Aditi saw right through him. "Bas stressed hoon." he muttered.

Aditi approached him cautiously, concern etched on her face. She grasped his arm and encouraged. "Ishan, batao."

He broke down, tears streaming down his face. "Mujhe lag raha hai, har jageh fail ho raha hoon."